The 11-year veteran was charged in March with driving drunk after his patrol car was reported as traveling erratically and hitting a guardrail. Carroll County Assistant State’s Attorney Robert Daniels said in court Friday that when officers found Pierce his eyes appeared watery and glassy. Pierce told police he had consumed alcohol and a sleeping pill; he refused to take a breath test.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Sept. 21.

A Frederick Police Department spokesman says Pierce was placed on administrative duties with the department immediately after his arrest and is still working in that capacity.